Purpose[edit | edit source] Show
Dynamic hip screw x-ray [image from wikimedia] The Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) or Sliding Hip Screw can be used as a fixation for neck of femur fractures. This would usually be considered for fractures that occur outside the hip capsule (extracapsular), often stable intertrochaneric fractures[1]. This is because there is a reduced chance of interruption to the blood supply to the head of the femur, and so it may be possible to preserve the joint. However, it may also be appropriate for younger patients with fractures within the hip capsule (intracapsular) if there is a good chance that the blood supply is preserved, reducing the risk of avasular necrosis. Technique[edit | edit source]History of the DHS[edit | edit source]Prior to the use of DHS sliding screws, angled blade plates were used[2]. These fixed plates matched the angle of the femural head. These plates had a number of complications, including failure to purchase, requiring frequent osteotomies. They also did not allow any compression across the fracture site, leading to stress failures and frequent non-union[2]. Therefore, the DHS, with sliding barrel, was created to allow controlled compression across the fracture site. This is important for bone healing.
Physiotherapy Interventions[edit | edit source]Considerations post surgery:
Physiotherapy interventions:
Physiotherapy exercises post hip surgery: Illustrations by: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/hip-fracture-hip-exercises.aspx
Evidence[edit | edit source]DHS Vs Hemiarthroplasty: Compared to hemiarthroplasty, the DHS has been found to have a superior hip functional outcome. However, the DHS has a higher chance of blood loss requiring blood transfusion and complications requiring revisions. Both were comparable for duration of surgery, length of stay in hospital and early mobilisation[4]. Therefore, may have benefits for return to function for a selected patient group. Internal fixation of NOF: The FAITH study (2014) suggests that most studies into internal fixation of fractured NOF compare against hemiarthroplasty. This means there is a lack of evidence for different methods of internal fixation[5]. RCTs with direct comparison are too small and lack sufficient power. Therefore, the FAITH study looked at the effects on patients after cancellous screws and sliding screws. The FAITH study (2017) suggests that both are comparable for revision / reoperation rates at 24 months, but the sliding hip screw group had a greater instance of avasular necrosis. However, this was not a significant difference and the DHS was found to be more beneficial for displaced fractures and reduced rates of reoperation. It was also thought to be beneficial for those with poor bone density, such as smokers[6]. The authors noted that this finding of benefits for displaced fractures was inconsistent with other study findings. Precautions post surgery[edit | edit source]
Rarely, the hip screw might protrude into the hip joint articular surface. This can present as increased pain on mobilisation and may result in surgical intervention, such as revision to a hemi to total hip replacement[7]. References[edit | edit source]
Which device should be used to prevent the complication of external hip rotation in a patient after a CVA?A trochanter roll is used to prevent the external rotation of the legs.
Which of the following devices prevents the external rotation of the leg?The trochanteric splint; a practical device for preventing external rotation of the hip and lower extremities.
Which device does the nurse suggest the patient use after a hip replacement?You must use a front-wheel walker, crutches or a cane (assistive walking device) and most likely a raised toilet seat after your surgery. Any other items are optional based on your needs.
Which intervention would the nurse implement to prevent dislocation of the patient's total hip replacement when the surgeon utilized a posterior surgical approach?The patient's leg should be positioned in ABDUCTION. This is to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis. It is very crucial that the femoral head component of the acetabular cap is maintained in the correct position.
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